Quality Certification
Text: The Path to Performance

Knowing that only performance makes the difference, and that performance goes hand in hand with quality, the approach to achieving it has become essential. Today, more than ever, quality has become a major management issue. Product conformity to customer expectations, costs, delivery times... the notion of quality integrates various aspects and is increasingly customer-oriented. It is therefore at the heart of the reforms initiated in companies for better adaptation to a market that is tending to open up internationally and where, as a result, competition is becoming increasingly fierce. Regardless of the size of the company, a quality approach allows for better working conditions for those who benefit from it, resulting in a relationship of trust and significant gains both financially (increased profits) and humanly (clarification of roles, needs, supply, employee motivation). With quality culture now widely disseminated in companies, its implementation involves a formalized approach, called certification, which aims to bring the company's quality system into compliance with international standards. This step is an important one that allows an entity to demonstrate its operating methods, the quality of its organizational system, and its commitment to improvement and progress. The French group AFNOR defines this certification as "an activity by which a recognized body, independent of the parties involved, provides written assurance that an organization, process, service, product, or professional skills conform to the requirements specified in a standard." Initially established for protectionist purposes (protecting a market, the consumer...), it is now more frequently used for the organization and compliance of companies. Quality certification, a true company project, is all the more valuable as it is a participatory approach that mobilizes all employees, at all levels. But in fact, this approach, while being an essential step to take, is not an end in itself. This is why it must be understood as an element of the structure that helps gain customer trust and mobilize the entire company for ever higher performance. In Morocco, quality certification is becoming more widespread, but the number of companies that adhere to it - especially SMEs - remains insufficient (1000 in total). This is despite the efforts made by the various stakeholders in the sector (consultants, associations...) to encourage modernization, strengthen competitiveness, progress, and even excellence.

Posted on July 10, 2009

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